The Audi Formula 1 team has officially announced that former team manager Beat Zehnder will depart the organisation at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a legendary career at the Hinwil base that has spanned nearly four decades.
From Sportscars to Formula 1: Beat Zehnder’s Historic Hinwil Journey
Zehnder was initially brought into the fold by founder Peter Sauber in 1988, working as a mechanic during the outfit’s successful sportscar racing programme. When Sauber made the leap into Formula 1 at the beginning of the 1993 campaign, Zehnder transitioned alongside the squad, rapidly establishing himself as a vital pillar of the Swiss organisation. He was promoted to team manager the following year in 1994, embarking on an extraordinary streak in which he was present for 601 consecutive Grands Prix.
Operating as team manager and sporting director, Zehnder served at the very heart of the operation through various eras, navigating Hinwil through its existence as a plucky independent entrant as well as its manufacturer era under BMW. That partnership famously produced the team’s sole Formula 1 victory, secured by Robert Kubica at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. Throughout those decades, Zehnder guided and mentored generations of drivers and personnel, serving as a constant presence on the pit wall during the team’s multiple podium finishes and rebuilding phases.
Transition into Audi’s Works Programme and Final Roles
As Hinwil laid the groundwork for its full transformation into the Audi works Formula 1 team, Zehnder stepped back from his front-line trackside team manager duties last year. Transitioning into the role of Director Signature Programs & Operations, the 60-year-old managed the team’s heritage activities and contributed to special projects, including the preparatory development of Audi’s new hospitality facilities, while continuing to make occasional appearances at race weekends.
However, the Hinwil outfit has now confirmed that Zehnder will bid his final farewell at the end of 2026 as part of broader preparations for the manufacturer’s future.
Audi Revolut F1 Team places on record its sincere thanks to Beat Zehnder, who will leave the team at the end of December 2026 following the restructuring of its operations ahead of the 2027 season,
the team stated on Friday.
Beat has been a mentor to hundreds of team members and drivers who have passed through Hinwil over the years.
During his tenure he enjoyed both the highs and lows of working in such a demanding sport, never losing his professionalism, his relentless competitive streak and desire to win. He steps away with 36 World Sportscar Championship races and 601 consecutive Formula 1 races to his name.
We thank him for 39 years of outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future.
Why This Matters
Beat Zehnder’s impending departure marks the end of an era for Hinwil. He represents one of the longest-serving team figures in modern Grand Prix history, having served under Peter Sauber, the BMW works era, the team’s return to independent status, and its Alfa Romeo branding phase. As Audi reconfigures the operational hierarchy and restructures its staff ahead of the 2027 season, Zehnder’s exit signifies the final turning of the page from the traditional Sauber identity toward Audi’s fully integrated works identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Beat Zehnder leaving the Audi Formula 1 team?
- Beat Zehnder is scheduled to leave the team at the end of December 2026, coinciding with the operational restructuring ahead of the 2027 season.
- What were Beat Zehnder’s major accomplishments with the team?
- Zehnder participated in 36 World Sportscar Championship events and attended 601 consecutive Formula 1 races, serving for years as team manager and sporting director, including during the team’s 2008 Canadian Grand Prix victory.
- What was Beat Zehnder’s most recent position at Hinwil?
- Most recently, Zehnder stepped away from pit-wall management to serve as Director Signature Programs & Operations, overseeing heritage initiatives and projects such as Audi’s hospitality suite preparations.
